1. Our house gets the messiest in December. With all the holiday preparation and many other things happened this month, our house had reached the messiest it's been in a long time. If you know me in person, you know how much this bothers me. It's a good thing we don't host any holiday parties at our house. Despite the cleaning effort on Saturday, it's still far from being in a good shape. Now you know what I'm doing for rest of the day.
2. My son goes to a local Catholic school, and they go crazy with school events and charities in the month of December. When I say crazy, I mean crazy! From stuffing Christmas stockings for a local charity to the Christmas pageant and everything else in between, the school sure kept the parents busy. It was great for the kids. I was worn out by the end of the month.
3. Taking actions instead of sitting, thinking, and planning what I want to do takes my happiness to a new level. It's not that I have produced anything meaningful or income-worthy, but doing something I truly enjoy gives me hopes and visions I need. It puts the wheel in motion and if I keep going, you never know, I might eventually create something meaningful. Now I believe in art of doing things, but not in planning things.
4. I'm not a big fan of red meat, but I actually enjoy some lamb. It came as a surprise because I'm a veggie and grain kind of girl. Lamb was never my choice of meat especially with its distinct flavor. But I have to admit, I really enjoyed the lamp we had for Christmas dinner. I am going to get the recipe from my brother-in-law so that I can share that with you. It was that good.
5. Little kids grow fast. Much faster than I thought they would. Last night, I was going through some picture from this year's Easter egg hunt, and I realized how much my younger son has grown in the past nine months. Now his cheeks are less plump and his eyes portrait his intentions. I need to cuddle and squeeze my boys more often to remember their childhood.
I think that's about it.
Now it's your turn. What did you learn in December?
I think this is the most fun Link Up ever! I am so happy Emily hosts it! We are neighbors over at her place and I am so glad I stopped by! Yes - the Littles grow WAY too fast (says the Mama of an only who is Nearly Grown!) I like Lamb in Gyros... and other greek dishes... not sure if I would like it without all the tzatziki sauce?
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
~K~
Hi Karrilee,
DeleteThis is the first time I joined this Link Up, and I can't agree with you more! It's fun to get connected with other bloggers and share some fun and random facts about us. I totally forgot Gyros has lamb in it...because I love Gyros. It must be all the spices in the sauce that makes the difference :) Happy New Year to you and yours!
Here are the five things I learned in December:
ReplyDelete1. Even though I might do well at maintaining a healthy diet most of the rest of the year, all bets are off in December.
2. Even though I only have 1 son away at college and a husband, the pace still seems frantic. Yuko, I was tired after reading the list of all that was expected of you at your son's school! I didn't factor in how squeezed I would feel with Thanksgiving falling so late in November, and Christmas decorations might never have materialized in my home if I hadn't volunteered to host a staff Christmas party here!
3. Even though I used to like Christmas music, the only songs I can tolerate now are sacred Christmas hymns, preferably instrumental versions, and not even all of those make the cut. I was very thankful that I made it until Dec. 12 before hearing "Santa, Baby".
4. Even though it's nice to have a present underneath the tree, I was much happier that my husband said "that can be your Christmas present" when I asked if I could fly back to Chicago to be with a very dear friend whose father died earlier this fall. Meaningful time trumps stuff every.single.day.of.the.week.
5. Even though we've been married for 23 years, we have spent our holidays with our extended families all but 3 of those years (one of them being this year). I regret that we didn't establish more traditions that were specific to the three of us, instead of just going along with whatever was happening wherever we were because we weren't by ourselves.
Thanks for sharing your list, Jenn! I'm glad to hear that you could go see your friend when she needed you by her side. Going to the Barn event was my early Christmas present this year. The best things aren't always things :) Happy New Year oxox
Deleteyes, creating something breeds happiness for me too!
ReplyDeleteI pray that as this year ends and another begins you and your home will be awash in new blessings.
Thank you! May New Year bring all joy and peace to you and your family.
DeleteHmmmm.
ReplyDelete1. Family defines tradition, tradition does not define family. This year we gave our Christmas tradition a total shake-up to fit where we are as a family now. Not 20 years ago.
2. Im happier not putting decorations up until dec 18-20. Usually I put things up earlier. By Christmas they are too dry. This year all was gorgeous for the actual holiday.
3. Clean all plates, glasses, silver, and platters from storage a week before. No need to wait until the day before.
4. Lay out the buffet before hand so when all the food is ready and hot, no time is wasted configuring the buffet.
5. I prefer fresh flowers on the tree in floral tubes to ornaments. Fresher, and no storage!
I enjoyed reading this. And I loooove lamb. Happy New Year!
Thanks Stephen for sharing your list. I will have to follow your advice on #2, as my garlands are all dry and brown by Christmas, which makes me sad, very sad. And #5 - I never even thought of doing that - you're so creative:) Reading your #1 made me smile. This is something I need to remember as we raise our boys, to embrace the way we are and where we are as a family.
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